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Penny vs. Skateboard: Which is Actually Easier to Ride? 🛹
Ever stood in the skate shop aisle, paralyzed by the choice between a sleek, plastic Penny board and a classic wooden skateboard, wondering which one won’t send you face-first into the pavement? You’re not alone. At Skateboard Brands™, we’ve watched countless beginners grab the “cute” small board only to realize it’s a wobbly nightmare for their first ride, while others bought a heavy cruiser and wondered why they couldn’t fit it in their backpack. The truth is, the answer to “Is it easier to ride a penny board or a skateboard?” depends entirely on what you want to do and who you are.
In this deep dive, we’re tearing down the myths. We’ll reveal why a standard skateboard is often the easier choice for balance, despite its size, and exactly when a Penny board becomes the superior tool for the urban commuter. Plus, stick around for our shocking breakdown of why trying to learn tricks on a plastic cruiser is a recipe for disaster (and how to avoid the “twitchy truck” trap). Whether you’re a total newbie or just curious about the 2026 trends in board design, we’ve got the real talk you need to pick the right ride.
Key Takeaways
- Stability Wins: For most beginners (especially adults and teens), a standard skateboard is easier to balance on due to its wider deck and longer wheelbase.
- Portability Matters: If your primary goal is commuting and carrying the board in a backpack, the Penny board is the undisputed champion.
- Tricks Require Wood: You cannot learn technical skateboarding tricks (like ollies or kickflips) on a Penny board; you need a standard skateboard with a kicktail and grip tape.
- Terrain Dictates Choice: Choose a Penny board for rough, cracked sidewalks with its soft wheels; choose a standard skateboard for smooth pavement and skateparks.
- The Verdict: If you want to learn to skate, buy a skateboard. If you want to cruise to class, buy a Penny.
Ready to find your perfect match?
- 👉 Shop Standard Skateboards: Amazon | Walmart | Skateboard Brands™ Guides
- 👉 Shop Penny Boards: Amazon | Penny Skateboards Official
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
- 📜 From Plastic to Pop: The History of Penny Boards vs. Traditional Skateboards
- 🤔 The Big Debate: Is It Easier to Ride a Penny Board or a Skateboard?
- 🛠️ Essential Gear: Helmets, Pads, and the Right Shoes for Your Board Choice
- 🧠 Anatomy of a Ride: Understanding Trucks, Bearings, and Deck Materials
- 🚀 Top 5 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid on Penny Boards and Skateboards
- 🏆 Verdict: Choosing Your First Board Based on Your Lifestyle
- 💬 Conclusion
- 🔗 Recommended Links
- ❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Penny Boards vs. Skateboards Answered
- 📚 Reference Links
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
Before you drop your first dollar or step onto the pavement, let’s cut through the noise with some hard truths from the crew at Skateboard Brands™. We’ve seen thousands of beginners burn out because they grabbed the wrong board for their goals.
Here is the TL;DR breakdown:
- ✅ The Stability Paradox: Contrary to popular belief, smaller is not always easier. A standard skateboard offers a wider stance, which is crucial for balance for most adults and teens.
- ✅ The Portability King: If your main goal is to shove your ride into a backpack and hop on a train, the Penny Board wins hands down.
- ✅ The Learning Curve: You will likely fall less on a standard board initially, but you will learn more skills on it faster.
- ✅ The Terrain Trap: Penny boards have big, soft wheels that crush cracks, but their tiny trucks make them twitchy at speed.
- ✅ The “Penny” Myth: Not all plastic cruisers are “Penny” boards. Penny Skateboards is a specific Australian brand, but the term is often used generically (like “Kleenex”).
Did you know? The original Penny board was inspired by the Australian surf culture of the 1970s, where riders needed a portable board to catch waves when the surf was flat. Today, it’s the ultimate urban commuter tool, but it wasn’t built for the skatepark! 🌊🛹
For a deeper dive into the ecosystem of these boards, check out our guide on 🛹 How Many Skateboarding Brands Are There? (2026) to understand the sheer variety available.
📜 From Plastic to Pop: The History of Penny Boards vs. Traditional Skateboards
To understand why one board feels like a dream and the other feels like a nightmare, we have to look at where they came from. It’s a tale of two eras: the plastic revolution and the wooden legacy.
The Rise of the Plastic Cruiser
In 2010, an Australian company named Penny Skateboards dropped a bomb on the market. They took the concept of the 1970s “pogo stick” style cruiser and modernized it with high-impact polypropylene plastic.
- The Goal: Create a board that was lightweight, durable, and portable.
- The Result: The 2-inch “Original” and the 27-inch “Nickel” became instant hits. They were designed to fit in backpacks, lockers, and overhead bins.
- The Legacy: The term “Penny board” became a genericized trademark, much like “Hover” for vacums. Now, brands like Krown, Merkaba, and Y-SCOO make similar plastic cruisers, but the original Penny remains the gold standard for quality control.
The Evolution of the Modern Skateboard
While plastic was taking over the commute, the skateboard was evolving into a precision instrument.
- The Shift: In the 80s and 90s, the industry moved away from clay and plastic wheels to urethane, and decks shifted from single-layer plastic to 7-ply maple wood.
- The Design: The introduction of the kicktail (the upturned nose and tail) allowed riders to pop the board into the air, birthing the era of technical street skating.
- The Standard: Today, a “standard skateboard” usually refers to a double-kick deck made of maple, designed for tricks, ramps, and technical riding.
Fun Fact: According to the Skateboard Industry Report, the global skateboard market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the resurgence of cruiser boards for urban commuting.
🤔 The Big Debate: Is It Easier to Ride a Penny Board or a Skateboard?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It depends entirely on who you are and what you want to do.
At Skateboard Brands™, we often tell our friends: “If you want to cruise to the coffee shop, grab a Penny. If you want to learn to skate, grab a skateboard.”
But why? Let’s break down the physics and the feel.
The Balance Factor
Imagine trying to balance on a narrow beam versus a wide plank.
- Penny Boards: The deck is only 6 inches wide. Your feet are forced into a narrow stance. This requires more core strength and ankle stability to keep upright, especially for adults with larger feet.
- Standard Skateboards: The deck is typically 7.5 to 8.5 inches wide. This gives you a wider platform, making it significantly easier to find your center of gravity.
The “Twitch” Factor
- Penny Boards: The trucks are small and the wheelbase is short. This makes the board hyper-responsive. A tiny shift in weight sends you turning. For a beginner, this feels like the board is fighting you.
- Standard Skateboards: The longer wheelbase provides stability at speed. It feels planted and predictable.
Wait, isn’t the Penny board supposed to be easier?
Many beginners think the small size means it’s easier to control. Wrong! The small size makes it less stable. You might find yourself wobling more on a Penny board than on a standard board, especially if you are over 120 lbs.
Let’s look at the data to settle this once and for all.
1. Stability Showdown: Wheel Size, Deck Width, and Balance
Stability is the holy grail for beginners. If you can’t stand still, you can’t push. Let’s compare the specs that dictate stability.
The Specs Breakdown
| Feature | Penny Board (2″) | Penny Board (27″ Nickel) | Standard Skateboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Width | 6.0 inches | 7.5 inches | 7.5 – 8.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | ~14 inches | ~18 inches | ~14 – 15 inches |
| Wheel Size | 59mm (Soft) | 59mm (Soft) | 52mm – 54mm (Hard) |
| Deck Material | Polypropylene Plastic | Polypropylene Plastic | 7-Ply Maple Wood |
| Weight | ~4 lbs | ~5 lbs | ~5 – 6 lbs |
| Stability Rating | ⭐ (Low) | ⭐ (Medium) | ⭐ (High) |
Why Deck Width Matters
The deck width is the most critical factor for stability.
- Penny Boards: With a 6-inch deck, your feet are close together. This limits your leverage. If you try to turn, you have to lean heavily, which can lead to speed wobbles.
- Standard Skateboards: A wider deck allows for a natural, shoulder-width stance. This distributes your weight evenly and gives you more control over the board’s direction.
The Wheelbase Effect
The wheelbase (distance between the trucks) determines how stable the board is at speed.
- Short Wheelbase (Penny): Great for quick turns, terrible for high-speed stability.
- Long Wheelbase (Nickel/Longboard): Better for cruising, but still less stable than a standard board due to the plastic flex.
Pro Tip: If you have size 10+ feet, a Penny board will feel like you are standing on a pencil. A standard skateboard is non-negotiable for comfort.
2. Maneuverability Match: Turning Radius and Portability
If stability is the king, maneuverability is the queen. Here is where the Penny board shines, but also where it can bite you.
The Turning Radius
- Penny Boards: Thanks to their reverse kingpin trucks (similar to longboards) and short wheelbase, they turn sharply and quickly. You can carve tight corners in a blink.
- Standard Skateboards: The trucks are designed for technical turning (kickturns) but require more effort to initiate a sharp turn at low speeds.
The Portability Factor
This is the killer feature of the Penny board.
- Penny Board: Weighs about 4 lbs. It fits in a backpack, under a desk, or in an airplane overhead bin. You can take it anywhere.
- Standard Skateboard: Weighs 5-6 lbs and is bulky. You have to carry it by hand or strap it to a bike. It’s not exactly “grab and go.”
Real Talk: We once saw a guy try to ride a Penny board to work, but he had to take the bus. He couldn’t fit it in his bag because he had a laptop. He ended up buying a standard board just for the commute. Don’t let portability be your only metric!
The “Twitchy” Turn
While Penny boards turn sharply, they can be too sensitive. A slight shift in weight can send you vering off course. This is why many beginners find them harder to control in a straight line.
3. Learning Curve Lingo: Which Board is Friendlier for Beginners?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Which one should you buy first?
The “Easy” Start
- Penny Board: If you are a child (under 10) or a very light rider, the Penny board might feel manageable. The small size matches their body proportions.
- Standard Skateboard: For tens and adults, the standard skateboard is significantly easier to learn on. The wider deck and predictable trucks make the initial “standing up” phase much less scary.
The “Hard” Start
- Penny Board: The narrow deck and twitchy trucks create a steep learning curve for balance. You will spend more time falling and less time riding.
- Standard Skateboard: The learning curve is gentler. You can stand, push, and turn with relative ease.
Myth Buster: “Penny boards are easier because they are smaller.”
Reality: Smaller means less stability. Unless you are a child, a standard skateboard is the easier choice for learning to ride.
The “Trick” Factor
If you want to learn ollies, kickflips, or grinds, the Penny board is not the tool.
- Penny Board: No kicktail, nose, and a slippery plastic deck make tricks nearly impossible.
- Standard Skateboard: Designed specifically for technical tricks. The kicktail allows you to pop the board into the air.
4. Terrain Tussle: Cruising Smooth Pavement vs. Hitting the Skatepark
Your local terrain dictates your board choice. Let’s see how they handle the real world.
Smooth Pavement and Sidewalks
- Penny Board: The 59mm soft wheels are fantastic for smooth surfaces. They roll over small cracks and pebbles with ease.
- Standard Skateboard: The hard 52mm wheels are great for tricks but can get stuck in cracks. You need to be careful on rough sidewalks.
Rough Terrain and Cracks
- Penny Board: The soft wheels act as shock absorbers. You can ride over rougher surfaces without feeling every bump.
- Standard Skateboard: Hard wheels transmit every vibration to your feet. Rough terrain can be painful and dangerous.
The Skatepark
- Penny Board: Do not bring a Penny board to the skatepark. It is not designed for ramps, rails, or bowls. The lack of a kicktail and the slippery deck make it dangerous.
- Standard Skateboard: This is its natural habitat. It is built for the skatepark.
Warning: Trying to do tricks on a Penny board is like trying to play basketball with a bowling ball. It just doesn’t work.
5. Trick Potential: Can You Actually Learn to Skate on a Penny?
Let’s be brutally honest: Can you learn to skate on a Penny board?
The short answer: No.
The long answer: You can learn to ride it, but you cannot learn to skate on it.
Why Penny Boards Fail at Tricks
- No Kicktail: You cannot pop the board into the air. No pop means no ollie, no kickflip, no shuvit.
- Slipery Deck: The plastic deck has a waffle texture, but it lacks the grip tape of a standard board. Your feet will slide off during attempts.
- Tiny Tail: Even if you try to use the tail, it’s too small to generate the leverage needed for a trick.
The “Fake” Tricks
Some riders try to do manuals (balancing on two wheels) or carving tricks on a Penny board. While possible, they are not true skateboarding tricks. They are more like cruising maneuvers.
Quote from the Pros: “Penny boards are not designed for tricks. They are designed for travel.” – Skateboard Brands™ Team
If your goal is to learn skateboarding, you need a board with a kicktail and grip tape. That means a standard skateboard.
🛠️ Essential Gear: Helmets, Pads, and the Right Shoes for Your Board Choice
No matter which board you choose, safety first. We’ve seen too many “I’m fine” moments turn into ER visits.
The Helmet Debate
- Penny Board: Because of the twitchy nature and small wheels, falls can happen unexpectedly. A certified skate helmet is mandatory.
- Standard Skateboard: Falls are more predictable, but the height of the fall is greater. A helmet is non-negotiable.
Pads (Knee, Elbow, Wrist)
- Beginers: Wear full pads (knee, elbow, wrist) until you are confident.
- Experienced: Most skaters ditch the pads, but wrist guards are still recommended for beginners.
The Right Shoes
- Penny Board: You need shoes with good grip and flat soles. Avoid running shoes with thick, cushioned soles.
- Standard Skateboard: Skate shoes (like Vans Old Skool, Converse Cons, or DC Shoes) are designed with durable suede and flat soles for board feel.
Pro Tip: Don’t wear sandals or flip-flops! You need closed-toe shoes with grip to control the board.
🧠 Anatomy of a Ride: Understanding Trucks, Bearings, and Deck Materials
To truly understand the difference, you need to know the parts.
The Deck
- Penny Board: Made of polypropylene plastic. It’s durable but flexible. It doesn’t have the “pop” of wood.
- Standard Skateboard: Made of 7-ply maple wood. It’s stiff, strong, and provides the pop needed for tricks.
The Trucks
- Penny Board: Uses reverse kingpin trucks. These are designed for carving and turning, not for tricks.
- Standard Skateboard: Uses traditional kingpin trucks. These are designed for stability and technical turning.
The Wheels
- Penny Board: 59mm soft wheels (78A-85A durometer). Great for cruising and rough terrain.
- Standard Skateboard: 52mm-54mm hard wheels (9A-101A durometer). Great for grip and tricks, but bad for rough terrain.
The Bearings
- Both: Use ABEC-7 or ABEC-9 bearings. The difference is in the wheel size and truck setup, not the bearings themselves.
🚀 Top 5 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid on Penny Boards and Skateboards
We’ve seen it all. Here are the top 5 mistakes beginners make, and how to avoid them.
1. Buying the Wrong Board for Your Goals
- Mistake: Buying a Penny board to learn tricks.
- Fix: If you want to skate, buy a standard skateboard. If you want to commute, buy a Penny board.
2. Wearing the Wrong Shoes
- Mistake: Wearing running shoes with thick soles.
- Fix: Wear flat-soled skate shoes for better board feel.
3. Not Wearing Safety Gear
- Mistake: Thinking “I’m too cool for pads.”
- Fix: Wear a helmet and wrist guards until you are confident.
4. Trying to Learn Tricks on a Penny Board
- Mistake: Attempting an ollie on a plastic cruiser.
- Fix: Stick to cruising on a Penny board. Get a standard board for tricks.
5. Ignoring the Terrain
- Mistake: Riding a standard skateboard on rough, cracked pavement.
- Fix: Use a Penny board for rough terrain, or find smooth surfaces for your standard board.
Remember: The best board is the one that matches your goals and terrain. Don’t let ego dictate your choice!
🏆 Verdict: Choosing Your First Board Based on Your Lifestyle
So, after all this, which one should you pick? Let’s break it down by lifestyle.
The Commuter
- Goal: Get from A to B quickly, fit in a backpack.
- Choice: Penny Board (2″ or 27″).
- Why: Portability is king. You can take it anywhere.
The Skater
- Goal: Learn tricks, hit the skatepark, ride ramps.
- Choice: Standard Skateboard.
- Why: It’s built for tricks. You can’t learn to skate on a Penny.
The Cruiser
- Goal: Ride around the neighborhood, enjoy the view, avoid cracks.
- Choice: Penny Board (27″ Nickel) or a Longboard.
- Why: Soft wheels and a smooth ride.
The Beginner (Tens/Adults)
- Goal: Learn to ride, gain confidence.
- Choice: Standard Skateboard.
- Why: Wider deck, more stable, easier to balance.
Final Thought: If you’re still unsure, ask yourself: “Do I want to ride or do I want to skate?” The answer will guide you to the right board.
💬 Conclusion
(Note: This section is intentionally omitted as per instructions. The conclusion will be written in the next step.)
